Urban Shield: Small business redefines security for Oakland community

There are many businesses where “locally grown” is an asset. Several Oakland restaurants, retail and service providers boast that their local products, employees and staff serve customers better than imports. Local entrepreneur Tur-ha Aki applies this principle to his security business, Urban Shield.

You may have spotted his crew dressed in black and red at cultural events such as the Grind for the Green or the Malcolm X Jazz Festival. Aki said he hopes people haven’t had to notice them too much.

“The best security prevents the use of force; it actually eliminates the need for security,” he said.